Using Gift Money for Your Down Payment

With minimum down payment requirements for the purchase of your first home, coming up with the funds can be a challenge. Many new home buyers find themselves in a position to afford the carrying costs of their home, but can’t seem to come up with the cash to put the required money down.

The specific amount required can vary from one lender to the next. It can also vary by state but the general range is between 5% and 20% at a minimum. What first-time home buyers may not know when they are struggling to come up with the money, is that it is possible to use ‘gift’ money if they have a family member with sufficient financial resources.

Gift Down Payment Guidelines

The specific regulations for the use of gift money do vary by state. However, the basic guidelines are as follows:

Money can be provided to buyers by family or friends. However, it must truly be a gift and not simply money loaned. Often, mortgage lenders will require the person giving the gift to sign a notice guaranteeing the money is a gift. Sometimes, the source of those funds must be proven as well.

The individual providing the gift does not have to pay taxes on the gifted amount, provided it is under the state mandated maximum.

Often, the mortgage lender will require that the gift money be available to the buyer 30 days before closing.

Taking some or all of your down payment as a gift can help you get to the first rung on the property ladder. However, it is very important that you only use gift money when it is legitimately that – a gift. If you try to take advantage of this system and claim a loan as a gift, you are not only engaging in fraud, but you may find that you are in over your head financially even if you do obtain the loan.